Colum Eastwood demands full and independent Pat Finucane inquiry

Mr. Eastwood made the call during a debate in Westminster on Wednesday.

He reminded MPs how Judge Peter Cory, in a report into the murder of the human rights lawyer that was completed in 2004, concluded that there was sufficient evidence of collusion between members of the security forces and the UDA to justify a public inquiry.

The SDLP leader said the British Government had an obligation to implement one.

"It would take a long time for anybody in this Chamber to convince me of the righteousness of the British Government, the British state or the British Army.

"But British MPs should ask themselves a simple question: 'What would you do?' What would the Minister do if he had a family in his constituency whose father was murdered in front of their eyes for no crime other than being a human rights lawyer?

"I believe in a different kind of constitutional settlement for Northern Ireland, but I recognise the reality that the British Government have jurisdiction in Northern Ireland as it stands.

"The British Government have a responsibility to the citizens of Northern Ireland. They have a responsibility not to murder them. They have a responsibility not to cover up their murder and they have a responsibility to do everything in their power to get to the truth of what happens when something like that is done," he stated in the debate in Westminster Hall.

The Derry MP said he had 'very little faith' that the British Government would do the right thing.

But he warned: "They absolutely should, but this is the same British Government, of course, that put out a statement on March 18, moving themselves as far away as possible from the Stormont House agreement—another international agreement that they are prepared to break, it seems.

"They are seemingly prepared to sacrifice victims at the altar of political expediency, to throw some red meat to the Back Benches of the Tory party, and to abandon the opportunity for all of the victims of our terrible conflict to have the full truth of what happened.

"In my view, there is no chance whatsoever for my community to move forward in the spirit of reconciliation unless we get to the full truth of what happened during the conflict. I implore the Government, once and for all, to live up to their commitments in Weston Park, to live up to the promises that were made to Pat Finucane’s family and to live up to the needs of the community of Northern Ireland, who need to be able to move forward.

"We do not want to live in the past anymore. We want to move forward, but we have to do that on the basis of truth, justice and democracy. It cannot be held back any longer."

Minister of State at Northern Ireland Office Robin Walker said he recognised the 'force and importance' of Mr. Eastwood's contribution.

He accepted that there was collusion in the case of Mr. Finucane's murder and apologised.

"The murder of Patrick Finucane on February 12, 1989 in front of his family is one of the highest-profile cases from the troubles. As the hon. Member for City of Durham (Mary Kelly Foy) said, it is a shocking case in any situation.

"It was an appalling crime and it caused tremendous suffering. I acknowledge the tributes paid to Mr. Finucane’s family and their quest for justice in this respect.

"Previous investigations have made it clear that there was collusion in this case. That was totally unacceptable and the former Prime Minister, David Cameron, apologised publicly for what he described as the 'shocking levels of collusion' that took place. I want to reiterate that apology today," he said.

Mr. Walker said the British Government would soon make a decision on what form of investigation, if any, would be proceeding in relation to the case.

"The Secretary of State recognises the importance of reaching a properly informed decision on this matter and is committed to making that decision by the end of the month.

"That involves many complex issues, and it is right that he considers them all carefully. As the process remains ongoing, it is not appropriate for me to make further comment at this time," he said.